The Dark Knight

He’s certainly one of the best-known heroes of the 20th and 21st century: the only creature rising from the darkness whose purpose is not evil and whose soul is 200% human.

Bob Kane had to come up with a character charismatic enough to compete with Superman and whose charisma would match Zorro’s and The Phantom’s: no need to say challenging enough!
That’s when Batman was born in 1939: a cape and a mask, but instead of drawing on the roots of Spanish cavalry and riding a horse, Bruce Wayne was drawing on a force of nature and driving a machine that looked a lot like a rocket. What could be more alert, sensitive and dark than bats? So silent that the noise of their wings perfectly fades away in the wind and so sensitive that they would perceive danger miles away. Couple that with a successful business entrepreneur that would set the idealistic image of the ‘career-accomplished’ 1940’s American businessman and the result is simple: Batman.

The dream of the double-sided identity was certainly not a new one: from Dr. Jekyll & Mr Hyde, the myth of the Ware wolf, to Count Dracula. But for the first time, Batman, was devoted to restoring peace and to accomplish ‘something good’ to the point of meticulous control and calibre of his two identities. The animal side would be a highly inspirational one, rather than an uncontrollable propelling force that would take over the human side. No unusual DNA code would be mixed with that of a bat, but rather the adoption of the costume would be to Batman the beginning of an inward journey aimed at dealing with his personal fears and channelling that energy towards positive actions and the rescue of a trashed city best described by its gothic architecture; a city inspired by a Manhattan that we are hoping never to see.
Reflecting on the years of darkness the society was going through in the late '30s, even though on a different type of darkness, the birth of the Batman must have come as the result of a demand for hope and belief.

The fictional character that inspired TV shows, movie directors, designers has come back with the latest Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises” . I still remember the first Tim Burton’s blockbuster: a gothic movie where the setting had become a canvas of blacks, purples, reds: contrasting colors and characters, few dialogs, a captivating soundtrack. A more shy Bruce Wayne where the tinier figure of Michael Keaton seemed to contrast his inner force even more and  made him appear a lot stronger. A Jack Nicholson trashing a museum only for the sake of it to the sound of a very sensual "Cream" by Prince and a Kim Basinger whose inexpression would become acceptable only because of her captivating and enlighting beauty.

A fictional character that would grow through endorsements by Val Kilmer, Clooney to culminate with Bale. Batman would adopt looks to resemble the Comic book’s drawings more and more as the hero would become taller and stronger. Definitely a more impressive figure aesthetically, but a more vulnerable one that would allow the spectator inside the real life of Bruce Wayne and the true human condition of the Batman.

The latest one is a movie not to be missed, even though it offers suggestions for the end of the Bruce Wayne we know, but nevertheless for a birth of the Batman legacy.

Thank you Chris Nolan.

Chuck rocks with you

From basketball to Rock 'n' Roll: that seems a long way to go, but Converse has achieved a popularity that goes beyond these kinds of boundaries.

It is not about purpose anymore, but style and symbolism rather. We don’t say ‘basketball trainers’ any longer, but when we say your  ‘Chuck Taylors’ we know exactly what we mean: they haven’t changed, it’s the same colored twill flat that you were wearing when you were 16 and it’s the same you are still allowed to wear at 40. Because like Coca Cola it has become so universal that it’s made history! Affordable, it’s been reworked to suit all narcissistic needs of our ‘fashiony ‘ society: from leather to sequins to limited editions and studs.

And even designers have become worried as we see Louboutin, Choo, Martin Margiela and Jacobs coming up with their own version of the ‘Basketball’ flat to tap into this Converse universe.

Well, the smartest thing to do might then have been MAG's idea to work collaboratively with the trainers’ brand guru to create dedicated Chuck Taylors for the music industry and not quite any music: Rock and hard rock.  That seems to make perfect sense given that most of the performers already wear them: no way you could fly like Ashba with cowboy boots, that’s for sure!

I love the Richard Fortus' edition

The boy is new in town

Making your way to the top by designing the perfect Tee obviously requires a sense of style and feel of fashion that would justify your name being praised among luxury brands and Hollywood’s jet set.


Well, James Perse did it and did it well! Up to now I have always relied on high street fashion to stock on my basics and I was glad I could purchase that whit tee for a very modest amount as I obviously had to repeat the ‘ritual buy’ at least every couple of months to make up for the poor quality not resisting my ‘delicate wash’ cycle.

However , the ‘LA kid’ has now made his way to this side of the ocean with his first store opening in Notting Hill, on the very chic side of Westbourne Grove, last month.

So here I come: stocking on my first ‘eternal’ basic tee. I love the texture, the feel, the shape, the colors,…The only drawback? Won’t be that easy to justify my repeated addictive ‘ritual buy’ at James Perse as the only reason to drive me into store would be the very egocentric need to treat myself and stock on my favourite basic in six different colors and at least three different neck shapes. You could potentially find solutions to the problem though: opening a James Perse savings account and filling it up by giving up your daily starbucks’latte; finding a very generous partner; be patient and allow yourself only exceptional purchases you will enjoy looking forward to.

James Perse offers indeed a very comprehensive core designs collection which will always be waiting for you.

If you visit the store to get your revenge on your ping pong match against one of the super nice sales assistants while listening to ‘Thin Lizzy’, well, it is a complete different story…

http://www.jamesperse.co.uk/

A denim love story

As an official ‘fashion freak’ I love shopping, but it never takes me long to realize that in the end I always tend to buy the same styles in different brands and colors: the art of duplication is indeed a very subtle one and it requires enough detail orientation to make sure you can justify your multiple shopping sprees by actually being conscious of that touch of “difference” and “uniqueness” that distinguishes all your pair of jeans.

But let me tell you about my favourite ‘closet lover’, the ‘guy’ I would never betray, the perfect partner who knows how to make me feel beautiful and confident, sexy and feminine. His name won’t be unfamiliar to some of you: the JBrand waxed denim in rust!

Our relationship began when I purchased it on Shopbop.com last year, out of love at first sight, and since then our story has relied on mutual trust and faithfulness.

I could not believe how striking the resemblance with a pair of leather trousers was, without the price downside of course and without the risk of falling into a ‘trashy rock’ look. I thought it was the perfect trade-off for a gentle rock’n roll style and I was right. Since then it has been with me several days a week and several nights as well: because thanks to his flattering color it is the perfect versatile trouser that would fit my day in the office when coupled with a flared shirt and a cashmere v-neck or that would make you look terrific as a ‘sexy rock chick’ with a sequined tank, a leather blazer and biker booties for my clubbing nights.

Like every fashion piece, whatever I buy, I buy because of the feeling I get when wearing it: I need to feel good in my outfits, but I also need to feel that I am staying true to my personality and to who I am. Fashion to me is exactly this: displaying who you are because you have nothing to hide about yourself.

My JBrand allows me to do just that and whatever mood I am when waking up, it’s there for me to cheer me up and reminding me of who I am and why I am in love with it. When I want to make my day I know what to do: get my partner, wear it and enjoy. Surprisingly enough, I never feel like my body is altered by it and simply adding a plain white t-shirt does the trick. I have had amazing moments with it: my best nights out in Shoreditch and the best looks I could have asked for, obviously my bright red lipstick totally helped.

It joined me to The Guns ‘n Roses gig last week where for a second I felt I could have almost stepped on stage and fit among Mr Fortus and Dj Ashba (ignoring my lack of tattoos obviously); it was with me on my first day in the office at ASOS where I knew it was a right choice when the fashion editors came to me and asked me where it was from. It also made my day when my flatmate, slightly envious, pretended I was looking like a perfect East London “hipster”.

Yes, I love it and if I had known I would have bought ten pairs of it. But then again it wouldn’t have been a once in a lifetime story would it? I know it is meant to stay with me for a little longer as our love story is nowhere close to an end yet.

Rock ’n’ Roll still rocks

I made one of my dreams come true when I managed to buy tickets to the Guns n’ Roses gig at the O2 in London. As a super last minute buy I cannot tell you how much my hope to see Axl was long gone.

On that Friday morning I had the great idea of checking out Ticketmaster and was lucky enough to grasp a few tickets.

When I entered the O2 I couldn’t help but smiling: like a kid queuing to get in at Disney World (I still do get excited about that). I was very curious to see those ‘old generation’ guys who nevertheless marked the era of Rock forever: musicians motivated by a quest for perfection and experimentation and a lead singer playing with his voice and pulling on extraordinary energy.

Axl is now the last one remained from the very original band, Slash is gone, but Bumblefoot remains and the last two additions are certainly no mistake, in every way! Dj Ashba and Richard Fortus have an amazing stage presence and you wouldn’t believe one is 45 already and the other close to his forties..

They obviously love what they do and definitely know what they are doing! I was mesmerized by their solo performances and the numbers of Gibsons carried on stage: a ‘Guitar runway show’.

Dj Ashba relies on a caricatured look: big hat, torn jeans, very sparkly guitars, black khol, striking blue eyes…Richard more on the Ronnie Wood's side of things: very skinny and fit, shorter hair, great smile, laughing eyes,..

And there it goes: it all helps me remember why I love Rock so much! I am now definitely going to take those guitar lessons I’ve always wanted to.

They are truly inspiring artists: looking for perfection, they are not signed exclusively with Guns’ , but they also play in other bands, showing their quest for perfection in what they do. They are not ‘tabloid junkies’, they are professional inspiring artists who make me respect what they do even more.

Growing in small towns and coming from almost nothing and very modest backgrounds they perfectly embody the American dream, but they are also the proof that one needs to believe in his/her dreams. The only true questions are: ‘How bad do you really want it? How hard are you ready to work for it?’. Nothing is impossible.


Thank you Guns n’ Roses for this very inspiring moment!

Stock up on your leather outfit

If you love leather but never dared wearing it before, be relieved as you can easily go for it! Designers are giving us a treat with their AW12 collections, so be braver and smarter and start buying that leather skirt right now, before everyone else does.

Rock it or make it smart as all the choices are offered to you: some references will be unmistakable as they have proved to us they’re absolutely mastering that ‘leather chic’ touch. Rick Owens, Helmut Lang, Haider Ackermann, D&G and even Wang who is playing it more sporty…we have enough choice to display leather whatever way we like.

The smart trick lies in starting to stock up your favourite pieces: you might be surprised in finding out how many leather designer pieces are currently available in the sales: among my favourite destinations are The Outnet, Shopbop and Yoox.

Check out these amazing favourites!

…and don’t forget: you won’t go wrong with a Natalia Brilli's necklace and cool leather Converse.

Bluffer's guide to film noir

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I consider Film Noir the most unique form of art within cinematography. Rooted in the German Expressionist's film age, the Noir genre was first coined by films' critic Nino Frank in 1946 to depict a new cynical and melodramatic black & white genre that took inspiration from the years of the Depression and the new American Crime Fiction School.


Fully defining the genre comes as a challenge though, as several critics like to emphasize on the attributes of the characters and the stories, whereas others more on the visual effects and the settings that create the typical atmosphere of the genre. Raymond Borde and Etienne Chaumeton defined "Noirs" as dreamlike movies and sometimes brutal in their 1955 'Panorama du film noir américain 1941-1953', allowing inclusion within this category of a very broad fiction's spectrum.

Some directors are true icons of the Noir genre and left a remarkable legacy; from Fritz Lang, to Michael Curtiz and later Jean Renoir and to certainly the best known of all, Alfred Hitchcock. Despite the strong ties to the European cinema culture of the '30s and '40s, Hollywood hosted some of the biggest classics of the genre.

There is something typical about film noirs, which has been so well depicted by the pioneers of this cinematographic style: powerful atmospheres which take you to the extreme of human social conditions, hidden and suggested behind intense and thrilling stories.

The characters are often going through an introspective journey, which most of the time culminates in extreme actions such as murders.

A very good example of such characteristics is in Jean Renoir's 1938 'La Bête Humaine', based on the respective 1890's novel by Emile Zola where Jean Gabin's acting is strongly pushed to a state of powerful authenticity to reveal a touching character taken to commit extreme actions in the name of his secret love.

Hitchcock's first US production, 1940 Rebecca, offers again a very interesting adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's 1938 novel where the traits of the characters strongly focus on the fear of remembrance and the fear of living in the shadow of a souvenir: this is what takes the young Joan Fontaine to fear the image of Rebecca, deceased, but still alive in everybody's mind.

1964 'Marnie' is also a great example of a striking performance by Edren who is forced through an introspective journey and an understanding of her condition by Connery.

Michael Curtiz's 1945 'Mildred Pierce' once again takes Joan Crawford through a tortured journey where she finds herself caught between a greedy daughter and a murdered husband.

Fritz Lang's 1936 'Fury' offers a wonderful Spencer Tracy caught within a net of flimsy evidence accusing him of child kidnapping. A truly shaking story on the

sway and irrationality of mankind.

Noirs, however, are not to be confused with Horror and Action movies, as they are not primarily centered on special effects' technology and extreme science fiction. They have led to a modern version of the genre, proving how much the first wave has actually influenced Hollywood.

Neo-noirs have taken over some of the great spotlights in Hollywood in the '80s, '90s and 2000s.

From De Palma, to Tarantino, to Lynch and Scorsese just to name a few, neo-noirs have indeed acquired Technicolor technology, but the importance of characters' personalities and their tortuous introspective journeys are still the leitmotiv of new productions.

Hanson's 1997 'LA Confidential', sets the scene for one of the most influential neo-noirs where LAPD gets involved in a filthy investigation rotating around corruption, narcotics, sex and political involvement. Kim Basinger simply seems to appear as the new Crawford… or Hayworth.

David Lynch's 1997 'Lost Highway' takes the spectator through a mysterious surrealistic thriller, where reality and dreams simply seem to merge to the point where reality is not important anymore: the only thing that matters is how characters perceive their own version of the truth.

Similarly, his 2001 Mulholland Drive depicts a captivating Naomi Watts who gets lost within her feelings for another woman, until her imagination takes over to leave us with the eternal question of which is the actual ending of the story, which is the truth.

Brian De Palma's 2006 'The Black Dahlia' probably marks one of the latest typical neo-noirs where Hartnett surrenders to his obsession and passion while investigating Kirshner's murder. The story highlights the difficulty of separating personal emotions when involved in a case that becomes part of your life.

Noirs are powerful emotional movies where characters are shown acting in the name of their deepest feelings and fears. Settings seem to become a supporting detail, carved by their own imagination where technology and special effects are not required. A truly unmistakable genre that has become a true form of art.

When true events compete with fiction on film

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Cinema not only draws on fiction, but on true stories and historic events which are reputed entertaining enough to become part of the multi-billion industry. Here are a few personal favourites that are blockbusters in my eyes when it comes to adapting true stories for the big screen.


1. The Social Network (2010)

Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook success explained. Even though the integrity of Mr Zuckerberg may be implicitly questioned, David Fincher once more proved his talent as a director. This is the captivating story of how the largest social network was born and I bet we were all intrigued by it. It is even more striking given that nothing was actually really planned: an incredible series of events fabulously interpreted by Jesse Eisenberg, Rooney Marra and Justin Timberlake.

2. The Farewell Affair (2009)

Cristian Carion directed Emir Kusturica and Guillaume Canet in this espionage thriller loosely based on the actions of the KGB agent Vetrov who was held responsible for passing Soviets information to the French regime in the 1980s. Numerous lists of Soviet spies and secret information were passed to the government of Mr. Mitterrand. A beautifully interpreted acting with a true James Bond's flavour and a Cold War taste. French cinema confirms its experience with the noir genre.

3. Changeling (2008)

The American drama, directed by Clint Eastwood, is based on the true murder and kidnapping events that took place in 1928 and are remembered as the "Wineville Chicken Coop" case. Angelina Jolie finally shows her talent as actress by playing Christine Collins: a single mother who was disillusioned in the alleged recovery of her missing child by LAPD. The recovered child was indeed not her real son (actually murdered), but a cover up story put in place by LAPD to gain media attention. An intriguing thriller that shows now much political factors are intertwined with reality when it comes to federal investigations.

4. Titanic (1997)

Certainly the movie that led to the three-hour long shows' mania revealed once more James Cameron's innovative talent and his passion for sea exploration technology. How could the largest ever built transatlantic sink and be remembered as one of the most tragic accidents in history? Overconfidence in technology and the megalomaniac visions of Mr. Andrews were not to be taken for granted. A fictional romantic story that propelled Kate Winslet and Leonardo Di Caprio to the verge of success set on the narration of 1912 true events beautifully enhanced by the unforgettable special effects. A 3D comeback doesn't come as a surprise.

5. Apollo 13 (1995)

Being passionate about astronomy this was an inevitable choice that reminded me of my childhood dream which sounded more or less like this: "As a grown-up I want to be an astronaut and walk on the moon and explore other galaxies…". The true story of the moon-bound Apollo 13's mission and the challenging return on Earth shows once more how much nature is stronger than humans and totally unpredictable. Ed Harris, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon and Tom Hanks proved again to be a great cast under Ron Howard's direction. A classic not to be missed.

6. JFK (1991)

Potentially one of the most discussed investigation cases in history. 'JFK' tells the story behind the events that led to the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy on November 22, 1963 seen through the eyes of former New Orleans attorney Jim Garrison. An inconclusive thriller to leave you with a true question on the validity of the case: facts are objectively exposed for you to think about the dramatic event and draw your conclusions. I truly appreciated the depicted tenacity of Mr Garrison in eagerly trying to solve the case. Oliver Stone is faithful to his talent as a blockbusters' director and relies on the unmistakable cast: Kevin Costner, Tommy Lee Jones, Joe Pesci, Kevin Bacon are all part of the adventure.

My fashion and style rules

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When it comes to fashion and personal style we all abide by our own rules: rules dictated by the shape of our body, by our personality, by our taste and ultimately by our mood and the message we like to convey out there. Over time I have come up with my own fashion and styling rules; these have changed to reflect changes in my age and taste, but there are still a few things that I consider key and definitely non-negotiable if you want to walk past that crowd standing in front of your local pub.


One of my favourite distractions is to sit on a terrace and watch people walk by; I love catching little details and unusual fashion pieces, but I also love counting iconic items worn by trend followers such as trench coats, converse shoes, biker jackets. Nevertheless, I am more interested in spotting the outfit which would be a total rule breaker according to my "style bible". I am fascinated by differences in the perception of fashion and I am not pretending to come up with universal and perfect rules, I am just sharing mine with you, as they haven't let me down so far.

1. Be careful of the socks and sandals.

We all surrendered on that pair of Birkenstock and we are quite happy we did. After all, the Neal street store is always crowded with uber stylish Japanese visitors. However, watch it if you think these are all-year-round shoes: trying to fit socks with those chunky sandals can easily make you look like a doctor on her lunch break.

2. Always make sure to have a tailored blazer in your wardrobe.

Balzers are my favourite pieces: wear them with jeans to dress up or with your LBD for the office. They still look amazing on a white t-shirt with your denim shorts and gladiators for an unmistakable weekend outfit!

3. Invest in the simple pump.

Walking into a Louboutin's store for the first time is a once in a lifetime experience: it is like being taken to a candy shop on your fifth's birthday. The colours and shapes are striking, but be careful if you are considering a long-lasting investment and your wallet doesn't allow you a 3-pair's shopping spree. Invest in pumps that will never go out of fashion: a "passe-partout" colour and a medium heel height. Simple black pumps will look striking with your suit as well as with your Levi's denim.

4. Always wear a slip under your mini dress.

Believe me, it is not the funniest thing in the world wondering why people stare at you. For, as much as flattering this could be, it is not always for the reasons you would hope for. I am one of those people who doesn't really like going for the "balanced version" and with dresses I would go for either short ones or long ones. It was not without embarrassment that I realized wearing a long knit and a huge tote bag over a mini dress is not very safe unless you plan for a slip underneath. Yes, because the movements of your body when you walk and the rubbing of your bag against your dress will literally transform your lovely mini into a t-shirt. So please make sure to get a versatile little slip to keep your dress on the "right track".

5. Wear a belt and avoid thongs with your super low waist skinny jeans.

I love skinny jeans, especially when they are low waist: I hate having to hold my breath just to be able to close my front zip. However, we have all been through the inconvenience of sitting down wearing those super low pants: the paranoia of having our underwear uncovered. I agree, it may look cool on Rihanna or Lady Gaga, but it doesn't look very sexy if you're sipping a cocktail on a terrace with your boyfriend wondering why every man and woman can't get their eyes off of you. Make sure to prevent the embarrassment and those blushing cheeks: wear a belt and avoid the eye-catching thongs!

6. Get the strapless bra for your racer back dresses and tops.

Showing too much is not always an amazing idea: sometimes opting for the invisible and suggestive option is highly recommendable. I still love the '80s: those 'Flashdance' inspirations; Madonna in 'Who's That Girl', but let's face it, times have changed and unless you are still in your teens or planning to attend a rock gig I would advise to hide that bra! Only because you wouldn't want to draw attention away from that lovely racer back Lang's dress, it is best to wear a strapless bra to flatter your beautiful outfit.

Noah and The Whale

A Monday night at the Royal Albert Hall is a great alternative to any Monday night.

Watching Noah and the Whale perform at THE historic hall was quite touching as well: I discovered them three years ago in Berlin while doing the opening of the Phoenix tour and Charlie’s voice has been unforgettable since.

They have grown up, Charlie’s brother has left the band and their looks ensured they would come out as the “Noah and the Whale” accomplished generation: from tie dye jeans to tailored suits, waistcoats and red socks. Charlie’s baby face is also gone to reveal sharper cheek bones; his confidence is the one of a proper lead singer and his voice? The voice of a winning talent. The young band from Twickenham found a true niche for themselves: an inspiration from Tom Waits, Lou Reed, Chris Rea that perfectly ties together an indie rock and folk style. Definitely a band inspired by different form of arts and we know it because of the drawings projected at the back of the stage as a surrealist movie during the gig. These guys are a new generation success and I can’t wait for the next album: well done to NATW!

How should I dress on my first date?

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It's nine already and I only have one hour left to get ready. Suddenly nothing seems to fit, not even my unmistakable Phillip Lim little black dress. My wardrobe, which is truly a dressing room, feels empty despite the piles of clothes abounding on the shelves. When it comes to shoes it gets a lot worse as I can't stop thinking: "Are these heels going to make me look taller than him? Are my comfy flats too classy? Are these boots too kinky?".
This is what I call a true state of emergency or what I like to think of as the pre-date panic attack.

A first date is a little like your first day at work: you need to make an impression, but at the same time you don't want to reveal all of your qualities and skills. You would rather wait to show your strengths little by little when a specific situation requires them and will therefore make you memorable and able to climb that "success ladder".

Despite what many people may think regarding judging others on physical appearance, I am a strong defender of irrationality when it comes to social life and relationships. If you have ever tried browsing an online dating site you'll be surprised to find out how similar it is to online shopping: what draws the attention in the first place is the picture, the haircut, the looks…and then if you are happy with that first visual impact you will maybe read about one's personality traits and interests.

This is exactly why I always get nervous on a first date when I have to decide what to wear. My first piece of advice is to make sure to plan enough time before you go out: it will make you feel reassured and more confident about finding the perfect outfit within your messy wardrobe. Of course knowing where he will take you is all at your advantage, as this will avoid any stilettos incidents during a romantic walk in Regents Park.

In the same way, wearing your new amazing and colourful Christopher Kane's dress won't help when you will be sitting in front of a big screen for at least two hours. Common sense and feeling comfortable in your clothes is key. My experience taught me that no matter how much "sophistication" can be attractive, it can also become your worst enemy. On one occasion I thought wearing my beautiful YSL Tribtoo would be just perfect to add that super stylish little "something"; however I had totally neglected the fact that worn on a six feet woman they will soon make you look taller than him. Yes, basketball players are not the most common "species" out there and don't forget it, as all you may here on your date night might be: "God, you are so tall!". And yes you are and you know it, but there's no need for HIM to remind you every single minute.

Trying to impress a rock musician once happened to be a dramatic experience too. I was so proud of my new studded leather jacket and my new Crazy Pig skull ring that I pulled on the complete look. I just realized when he picked me up that playing the perfectly assorted couple wasn't cool. Because having both long hair was not enough and both wearing skulls and leather was too much. So be very careful of "total looks": adding details instead is key and remember that when it comes to Rock'n'Roll, Axl Rose, Mick Jagger, Steven Tyler, Alice Cooper are all men.

On this night though it is your chance to show how much of a woman you are, so opt for femininity instead which can subtly be achieved by playing with details and light makeup. If you usually feel comfortable in jeans and converse swap them over for your best skins and booties or simple black pumps. If you like dresses you can always rely on a black dress, but be careful about being too sexy on your first date: this night is the perfect chance to get to know him and you don't want to scream: "I want you now" too loud.

Remember that the most important thing is for you to feel at ease, for as much as clothes can make you look amazing and desirable, it is all about how you move and how confident you are. Don't put yourself in a difficult situation; choose an outfit that allows you to move comfortably without embarrassing you. What I love about being a woman is you have infinite opportunities to play on details: earrings, lipstick, scarves, clutches and these are your perfect chances to show your sense of style.

Be yourself and show it, this is my advice!

MJ: a fairy tale character in real life

Only two days ago, Time Magazine has recognized Michael Jackson as one of the 100 all time fashion icons. I am always amazed and pleased to realize that MJ is still alive and will always be: I am now confident in referring to him as a true and indisputable icon.
He lived on Neverland all of his life: a world he created for himself that nobody ever seemed to understand; a world to protect his identity, his attempt to recover that lost childhood and his incredible talent. A talent he dared to share with all of us, but a talent so unreal that it made him appear as a fragile  and untouchable creature who needed extreme care.
As part of his extraordinary journey through life he picked for himself caricatural yet very inspirational looks that undoubtedly reflected his love for disguise and his prolific imagination. Short trousers, '30s inspired suits, tip tap shoes were a direct tribute to Fred Astaire; the unforgettable sequin jacket that made the Motown performance with the first moonwalk belonged to his mother; the pop eye T-shirt worn in "This is it"clearly belonged to that omnipresent child in him.
Striking details and colors were always there coupled with shiny effects and very sharp shapes. The glittery glove, the socks, the band aids on his fingers have revived our curiosity about the true identity of this "magical" human being. The military shaped jackets, the leather outfits, the studs and buckles have only reinforced an image of a human being looking for himself, looking for an identity that would suit his talent and his magic. He looked for it in historical characters, fairy tales, iconic artists, but he never seemed to be satisfied and after all this is why we love him: his hunger for perfection was surreal, yet he gave us faith and hope. Hope in being able to surpass oneself and inspire others!
Balenciaga, Galliano and McQueen are perfect examples who created collections that seemed to be inspired by MJ's style. Sadly we were not able to discover the last outfit collections created by the King of Pop in collaboration with Zaldy for his final tour, but I can hardly pretend to guess what must have come out of MJ's imagination.

My five favourite Etsy and Folksy sellers for fashion pieces

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When it comes to online shopping we're all surrounded by a variety of online stores and sites; it won't come as a surprise that we might feel overwhelmed and unable to decide on that final shopping cart that we can't seem to fill or on the contrary that takes us to unaffordable values of money in just a few seconds.


This is why we shop online though: the beauty of accessing "global" stores hoping to spot that little unique dress or ring that will make our best friends jealous and that will turn us into an enviable trendsetter.

If like me you are a passionate fashionista you will probably be familiar with two of my favourite online stores that sell amazing and unusual handcrafts: Etsy and Folksy.

The former, Etsy, takes you through a never ending bazaar: from Turkey to the United States, from Australia to Western Europe. All the inspiration you felt when you walked through that souk in Marrakech will be waiting here online for you. How to get started then?

My advice is to check the blog first: this is where you will generally find interviews and articles of all the recent and original designers who joined the site. This is when I spotted little gems such as Erstwhile Jewelry, the New York duo who sells rare Victorian, Edwardian and Art Nouveau jewellery that you would hardly spot in Portobello. Signing up for the daily email comes as a natural step if you want to take the perfect ride on the verge of fashion and it allows you not to miss new designers who join and be the first to discover them.

I am myself an inspirational shopper and I find it really useful to browse the Etsy's Treasury section. A great amount of themes are grouped together so that you can literally listen to your inspiration of the moment. From Spring Treasury to Tribe Native American and to Hawaiian holidays, all your answers seem to be somewhere out there. So if you know you need some trendy items these categories will be great to help you out and allow you to satisfy your needs.

As always the category section is designed to help you in selecting your favourite items, but sometimes shopping is not about needs, but about falling in love. So my advice would be to browse those categories that have made Etsy and Folksy so popular: the Vintage, Needlecraft and Jewellery sections. You will discover some key designers that you will love and will then be able to browse their personal selection on the site.

Folksy on the other hand offers a UK customized website promoting handcrafts for this market. Again I love browsing their Frankly Magazine which features a very insightful "Meet the Makers" and "New Designers" section. I had the chance to discover Cecily Vessey and her original work inspired by London, mixing a clear architectural passion with an interior design orientation; not to miss are her lovely mugs that will make the perfect gift for any occasion. James Urge is another interior designer that I discovered on Folksy and who is worth following as he is just making the first steps on the local scene; a direct link to his website will allow you to stay tuned and own those furniture pieces before anyone else does.

Through the main navigation of the online store I always check the Folksy Highlights section first. This is where you will find the work of new designers as well as seasonal-oriented themes which are perfect to keep up with the latest trends and emerging talents.

Online shopping on Etsy and Folksy is nothing like shopping for something we need, but it is rather shopping to fall in love and to find that original piece of work to satisfy our passion for fashion. So always look for the latest news and articles on both sites and stay tuned; this is how you might spot THE next generation designer!

Rising sun: turning East

Big cities are like that, some neighborhoods suddenly become cool while others lose their popularity: it is a continuous rise and fall, a fashion and popularity game. I have always been intrigued by those areas depicted as "East" areas: the "East Village", "East London", "East Coast", "East side",...
They all seem to have something in common though, an element of coolness, trendiness and youth. They seem to be very popular with extravagant residents and artists. They are however pretty far from those neat and quiet residential areas where the buildings and square are immaculate, but they definitely carry something invaluable: life! Lively, unpretentious and affordable local attractions!

To inaugurate my new camera I have decided to capture a little bit of East London and I totally understand why it has become the place to be: the ideal "island" just off the city, surrounded by the Regent's canal where the old Shoreditch buildings and factories are now been revived into fabulous lofts!

Mediterranea...

Funnily enough I am always wearing black: black, the coulour that captures all the shades in the light spectrum as a black hole captures all the matter that dares rotating closely enough. Technically then, am I not wearing all the colors that exist in the world? Including those for which we still did not invent a name and which we will probably never be able to see under normal conditions?
However, for the 2012 Spring/Summer Collection designers have decided to revive those colors for us to wear them, to set them free. From Ferragamo to Cavalli and less surprisingly to a very bright Missoni we are struck with flashy yellows, pinks, blues and oranges. I cannot refrain myself from smiling because of the excitement; the same excitement that strikes you as a kid when you are staring at a bowl full of smarties or lollipops!

I am particularly fond of the Dolce & Gabbana "Bread, Love and Italian Beauty" collection that takes us directly to the smell and colors of those Riviera and Provence markets: onions, chillies, peppers..and pasta (the unmissable ingredient) are the perfect combinations for that Mediterranean style. We are just waiting for Sofia Loren to appear on the catwalk!

Charlotte: a non-conformist icon

She officially started her career at 13 and yet she seems to have reached the height of her fame at the age of 40: a complete artist who looked for herself, discreetly, to finally reach an enviable equilibrium.
I have always been fascinated by Charlotte; from the first time I saw her in "L'Effronté" and from when I first listened to "Lemon Incest". Despite her uncommon and imposing artistic heritage she seemed to me like a "natural-looking" and spontaneous girl: an unpretentious figure, obviously unconscious of her beauty and "allure".
This is probably what I like the most about the accomplished woman she has now become: looking at her on the big screen, watching her perform on the scene, listening to her on TV; there is always a coherence in her look, in her voice, in her moves. Just to show how her presence comes so naturally, effortlessly.
It is so refreshing to look at Charlotte in a world where the showbiz is dominated by extremely forced unconventional looks and unnatural perfect bodies. She is the embodiment of the little girl I used to be and the successful career woman and mother she has become: "La file d'à côté" as I would like to imagine her. A figure so authentic and genuine that has made her stand out within the artificiality of our society.
It doesn't come as a surprise that I discovered her in this month's Elle edition: even more beautiful and accomplished only five months after the birth of her third child.

Lynch: setting your dreams free...

David Lynch: un metteur en scène pas comme les autres. A true complete artist, not surprisingly some of his movie scenes look just like a still photograph waiting for the spectator to be watched, analysed, interpreted. The first movie I watched by Lynch, Blue Velvet, left me with the same sensation I get when I wake up vaguely remembering a disturbing, but captivating dream. The beauty of the characters and the lack of dialogues: it all reminds me of wax figurines whose intentions are only suggested by meticulous sound effects. The power of sound and the setting are Lynch's leitmotiv: the perfect gift to the viewer who can enjoy the freedom of getting lost within an unknown wold. A world where nothing is conventional, where rules are to be interpreted and where stories are not really told, but only suggested. The freedom of jumping into a dream, just the time of a movie, and let your imagination flow to deliver your own understanding of the footage.

Lynch is back on the big screen this February at BFI: I cannot wait to dream again!